Investigating work commuters mode choice behavior in Dalian city during pandemic: a hybrid choice model approach

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2025

Subject Area

place - asia, place - urban, mode - bus, mode - car, mode - subway/metro, planning - personal safety/crime, planning - safety/accidents, planning - surveys, ridership - behaviour, ridership - commuting, ridership - mode choice, ridership - modelling, ridership - perceptions

Keywords

Mode choice behavior, hybrid choice models, safety, satisfaction, discomfort, COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This study examined commuters' mode choice behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the impact of both tangibles and intangibles factors. To do so, the authors developed a Hybrid Choice Model (HCM) which investigated the effects of sociodemographic characteristics, travel attributes, and intangible factors such as satisfaction, safety, and discomfort, on travel behavior. The model was tested using Stated Preference data collected from commuters in Dalian City (China) via wenjuanxing, an online survey platform. The results indicate that individual characteristics played a significant role in shaping people's perceptions and mode choice behavior was influenced by sociodemographic factors, travel characteristics, and the aforementioned intangible factors. More specifically, individuals, who perceived a higher level of safety, measured in terms of worries about robbery, accidents, and pandemic concerns, were less likely to choose cars. People with a stronger perception of discomfort favored metro over bus. Private car users reported higher satisfaction. The findings will be useful to policymakers for establishing more resilient transport solutions.

Rights

Permission to publish the abstract has been given by Taylor&Francis, copyright remains with them.

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